skylark cabin by barry connor design is a 50sqm retreat in new zealand

skylark cabin nods to the flying patterns of a bird species

the skylark cabin by barry connor design is a curated retreat for reflection and relaxation, resting atop a plinth of reclaimed stone boulders. the project is located in new zealand’s south island, at the foothills of the ben ohau range where tussock grasslands flourish. amid this radical landscape, with the open sky painted over it, the compact cabin is inspired by a surprising muse: the eurasian bird species known as ‘skylark’.

indeed, the most prominent feature of the 50sqm retreat has to be its folded, angular planes – a part that ‘nods to the skylark’s distinctive aerial display—with their angular, precise, and purposeful acrobatics,’ connor explains. those angular displays were carefully reinterpreted in line with the clients’ brief: creating a place to relax, to watch the starry night sky and dances of the skylarks, and to enjoy the play of light and shadow over the ben ohau range.

all images © dennis radermacher

offset volumes capturing stunning perspectives of the site

under the pitched roof of the cabin sit two distinct offset volumes. the first one accommodates the kitchen and living spaces, while the second one holds a bedroom and a bathroom where morning sun filters through almost all year long. ‘the angle of the offset was derived from plotting specific views from certain activities; lying in bed, washing the dishes, having a shower, sitting, standing,’ shares architect barry connor. both volumes are connected by an entry porch that leads to the carport.

furthermore, each space frames particular views of the surroundings. the living area has floor-to-ceiling windows that capture a distanced vista of the ben ohau range. at the same time, a circular skylight punctuates the ceiling of the bedroom and through which the owners can catch a glimpse of the aoraki mackenzie international dark sky reserve.

the skylark cabin sits amid the tussock grasslands, in the south island of new zealand

simple materials that vividly punctuate the cabin structure

responding to the harsh climate, connor cloaked the exterior of the cabin in band-sawn larch timber rainscreen – a material that, over time, can quickly be taken down and replaced if found necessary. moreover, to counterbalance the dark-colored rain-screen, burnt-orange accents were used to outline the structural frames of the carport and windows. specifically requested by the clients, the burnt-orange hue lifts the overall aesthetic of the cabin and echoes the bright lichen found in the area.

moving on to the interiors, the use of light-colored beech plywood across the offset volumes steadily contrasts the bolder and warmer tones of the exterior shell. those softer accents blend into the tussock grasslands, giving the impression of ‘being nestled right in the landscape.’ as a final touch, black-edge ply rib was used to delineate the borders of the beech panels to give a feeling of privacy and ‘cradling’.

burnt-orange accents delineate the structural frames of the cabin, giving a pop of color to the overall aesthetic